"The potential uses are enormous," said Local Environmental Quality Minister Ben Bradshaw.

"Unwanted noise has probably affected us all at one time or another. It can cause stress and annoyance, interrupt conversation and disturb sleep.

"By creating more of these maps we can help government, local authorities, planners and the public better understand noise levels and work more efficiently to reduce the number of people who are exposed to high levels of noise."

Birmingham City Council developed the first comprehensive noise map for a major UK city in 1999 as part of a pilot project backed by Defra. The London noise map was completed last year.

NOISE MAP OF CENTRAL LONDON

Maps like this can be generated using postcodes, Ordnance Survey grid references and street names